Last Update: November 11, 2020
A Tribute Honoring
Arizona World War II Submarine Veteran
Perry Aubrey Collom, TM2(SS)
  
(1922-1944)
Kemp, Bryan, Oklahoma and Somerton, Yuma, Arizona
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:Perry Aubrey Collom (vice Collum as listed on the memorial plaque) was born on 6 September 1922 in Kemp, Bryan County, Oklahoma to Homer Bevel and Lola Rachel Richardson Collom. In the 1920s, Homer earned a living as a farm laborer in Oklahoma while he and Lola raised their family that eventually included 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Perry was the second oldest child born to the couple in 1922. By 1930 the Collom family had moved to Somerton, Yuma County, Arizona where Homer worked as a farm laborer. According to Perry's WW II Draft Registration Card dated 30 June 1942, twenty-year old Perry was living in Salinas, California working for the Vertin Edmonds Company. |
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On 17 November 1942, Perry enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a reservist in San Diego, California where he more than likely received his basic training. The earliest Navy Muster Report dated 29 September 1943, Perry was on board the supply ship USS Rainier (AE-5) departing San Francisco, California for Hawaii. Perry, now a Torpedoman Third Class Petty Officer was identified in the report being transferred to Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet "for assignment." His prior time on the West Coast suggests he may have received training in the operation and maintenance of torpedoes prior to heading to Pearl and to fight in the war. Upon arrival at Pearl Harbor, he was assigned to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Relief Crew under Submarine Division 141 command. On 31 July 1944 he reported to the USS Albacore (SS-218) at Majuro, Marshall Islands for duty. How he got to Majuro is unknown, but he more than likely traveled by ship or another submarine. The Albacore was at Majuro where it arrived from its successful 9th combat war patrol on 15 July 1944. On 8 August 1944, Albacore departed Majuro for its 10th patrol with Torpedoman Perry on board. On 25 September 1944, the Albacore completed its combat war patrol and arrived at Pearl Harbor on 25 September 1944. On 24 October 1944, Albacore with its crew of 85 men, departed Pearl Harbor for its 11th and last patrol. On or about 7 November 1944, Albacore was sunk by a mine off the coast of northern Japan.
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| Albacore Ship's Patch |
USS Albacore (SS-218) |
Lost Location |
More information about Albacore and the names of its crewmembers, go to the following links:
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Memorial to USS Albacore (SS 218) Crew |
USS Albacore (SS 218) Crew with their wives, significant others. Date of Photo Unknown. |
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| The source for the above plaque is www.togetherweserved.com. The link to Perry Aubrey Collom's profile can be accessed by clicking here. |
| Perry's father, Homer died in 1991 while residing in Somerton, AZ and his wife, Lola passed away in 1998. All of Perry's brothers and sisters have since passed away. Perhaps their offspring will get the chance to visit the Arizona Silent Service Memorial in Phoenix where their relative is honored. |
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